Why the Hawks Might Let Jonathan Kuminga Walk — and What That Says About His Value

When the Golden State Warriors shipped Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta in a midseason trade, it felt like a lifeline. After five uneven years in the Bay Area, the 23-year-old forward landed in a situation where he could finally breathe. The Hawks gave him minutes, a defined role, and a chance to play alongside a young core that matched his timeline. In 16 games, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds, helping Atlanta snag the No. 6 seed in the East.

The playoffs ended in a first-round loss to New York. But for Kuminga, the bigger picture looked clear: he had found a home.

Maybe not.

The Athletic’s John Hollinger dropped a reality check this week that Kuminga probably won’t love. Using his BORD$ valuation system, Hollinger pegged Kuminga as a high-end reserve worth roughly $9.4 million — a number that falls far short of the $24.3 million team option Atlanta holds on him for next season.

That gap matters. A lot.

“I could see the Hawks picking up the option to use his contract in a trade,” Hollinger wrote, “but it’s more likely that they decline it and either re-up at a lower number or move on.”

Translation: Kuminga might be better off packing his bags again.

The Hawks have built an intriguing young core — Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu. Kuminga slotted in as an instant-energy reserve, using his explosive athleticism to score in bunches and attack the glass. On paper, he looks like a piece that could grow with the group under Quin Snyder’s system.

But the numbers tell a different story. For a team already managing cap flexibility, paying $24.3 million for a reserve who hasn’t proven he can start consistently is a tough sell. Atlanta could decline the option, negotiate a cheaper deal, or use Kuminga’s expiring contract as trade bait.

If the Hawks do let him hit free agency, expect a market. Teams always chase young wings with bounce and energy, and Kuminga’s best basketball might still be ahead of him. But the question is whether he’ll ever be worth more than a mid-level exception.

For now, Kuminga’s future in Atlanta feels as uncertain as his time in Golden State. He got the fresh start he needed. Whether he keeps it depends on whether the Hawks see him as part of the long-term plan — or just a short-term rental who never quite lived up to the hype.